2.The journey to Amritsar
O God she thought?..she had almost forgotten that he was a lawyer. That was an excuse I gave the policeman, she fibbed. I have jewellery in my bag since I am going for my cousin's mehendi ceremony. I thought that man would confiscate it and I would lose it all she explained. Why on earth would he confiscate it??unless you are carrying something else altogether? He asked. She looked affronted. Well she said angrily, take a look yourself. She jumped off and made to pull out her bag when he caught her wrist. I don't want to see your bag, you little liar ?? don't you ever take me for a fool. How did your uncle allow you to travel alone anyway? Perhaps you're not alone and are travelling with friends to this ceremony? Yes, I have an escort here, she pointed out Satpal?he's Mamaji's person. Kewal called out to Raj. He was impatient and didn't understand why Raj was wasting time with that girl, unless?..?
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3.Daffodils''..or Mustard flowers
Raj was shocked to see those dark eyes peering angrily at him through the veil. But he knew whose dark eyes they were. Those striking dark eyes that were so eloquent. Even if she didn't speak, her eyes carried the message across thoroughly. He couldn't believe he had found her that easily. He was out of the car and right behind her in the chase. He caught her arm and spun her around. She crashed into him as he halted and turned her. He had her arm twisted behind her back and this brought her right up to him. He looked down at her and saw she was carrying a loose parcel. She looked back at him, her eyes unwavering but wary. He lifted his free hand to lift the veil from across her mouth. Her face was now free from covering and exposed.
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4.At Amritsar?.literally
Amritsar, the name that means the pool of nectar. Amrit was the drink of the Gods?..an elixir. A drink that could blend the state of consciousness of the mind and spiritual enlightenment. That was this city now synonymous with the Harmandir. The golden temple was the soul of the city. It was here that you could actually feel the pulse of good vibes. Kranti entered the holy place through the white structural compound that protected the shrine within. Kranti felt all her anxieties being stripped away from her. She could feel the spirit and the power of the place. She was enthralled at its beauty.
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5.Home and heart breaking memories
She stepped under the archway. The garden seemed to be bare. Only the old tall trees stood in grandeur. They stood there waiting for the house to be lived in once again; to have activity around there; to hear the strains of laughter; to hear whispered discussions about the struggle for freedom; to witness courage and fortitude of the inmates of the house and to see that young girl happy once again. The garden was in shambles, unkempt and down-trodden. Kranti throat ached with unshed tears. Why did she feel exactly like her garden?
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6. Lost in thoughts
During his three month stint at Cambridge, he met Manpreet. She was also from India. They had the same hobbies and they were both Indian students. So it was natural that they often met over tea in the university cafeteria.
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7. Guerrilla Warfare - 1
She turned her head to look at the window. It was still dark outside. Yet, it was necessary to get up. Where was Sohan tauji? She threw the covers off and slipped on to her bare feet. Noiselessly, she went to the outer room to seek out Tauji. In the last room, she could hear muted whispers. It seemed to be dark. She peeped through the slit of the door. A small candle was burning in the corner. It cast long dark shadows on the wall. Two or three people seemed to be in deep conversation.
8.Guerrilla Warfare - 2
Stop '..said someone. He stiffened. A female voice? Where had he heard it before? He didn't turn around. He gritted his teeth. There was nothing else that he could do but turn. His dark glasses shielded his eyes. A slim figure was standing before him. Her face was covered but turned away. Don't move, the female continued. She had a gun in her hand and from the way she was holding it, he realised that she was a novice...
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9. Held Captive
He was looking furtively everywhere to see if he could spot Kranti. He noticed Raj coming up. He was tying his kerchief round his palm. He looked at the young lawyer questioningly. But Raj remained deadpan and unconcerned...
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10. Held Captive - Contd
She lay there still. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to his car. He laid her in the back seat. But he had to gag her and tie her hands and feet. He was soon driving way.
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11. The Sparks Fly ' 1
He walked up to the large bed and threw her on it. She lay on the soft mattress looking at him. Her arms were still twisted behind her back and they were beginning to ache now. Her feet were tied up so she could barely move. He returned to close the door shut. He looked down at himself and made a face. He was full of filth and hay.
Kranti was watching him. What a dandy he is she thought.
He went to her, held her arms and pulled her into a sitting position. He removed the gag from her mouth. He put up his hands to gently massage her jaws and cheeks. She angrily turned her face away.
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12. The Sparks Fly ' 2
His hand crept behind her and slid slowly down her back. It reached her lower back. He applied pressure and pushed her towards him. She gasped and reached out to regain her balance. One hand caught his shoulder and the other opened on to his chest. She felt her breath catch in her chest. What was happening to her? She could feel warmth spreading throughout her body. She could barely breathe. She curled her fingers on his shoulder for support. He raised his free hand to cup her face. Her eyes couldn't take the intensity of his dark gaze and they fell. He turned up her face. His lips were inches from hers.
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13. First Doubts
She ran her fingers through her hair trying to unlock the knots. Her bath over, she pulled the towel from the handrail and wrapped it around her as stepped out on the bath mat. What a soft towel! She wiped her face. The feel of the soft yet rough fabric reminded her of something. She felt breathless all of a sudden. She remembered the rough texture of his cheek against hers. And then what had he said?
"You smell like a goat."
Oh'.She shut her eyes tightly. *******************************
He looked at the powdery stuff. It looked like ordinary dust. He got off the truck. He laid the paper on the table. He took a matchstick and lit it.
He touched the burning splinter to the dust on the paper. It was immediately caught in a small blaze. Dear God! This was gunpowder.
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14. At the End of the Day
He opened the door slowly. A candle was burning by the bedside. A figure was lying on the bed. He went forward to see her. Her dark hair was spread over the pillow and her face was turned slightly to one side. Her thick lashes lay on her cheeks.
He continued to look down at her. There was a redness on her wrists. He almost reached down to trail his finger down her cheek when she sighed and turned. He didn't disturb her. He silently left the room.
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15. Nani-ma And Dai-ma
He turned and walked to the curtain. He pulled it on one side. Kranti was standing there looking suddenly embarrassed. He put out his hand to bring her forward. In the overhead light, he saw her. Her jet black hair was loose and flowed past her shoulders.
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16. In Conversation
Kranti was alone and eagerly she went down. She found the kitchen in no time and kept the tray near the sink. There was a window above the sink. She reached out to catch hold of the handle. She had to try again on tiptoes. But she couldn't grip it properly.
"Need some help?"
Kranti nearly jumped out of her skin. She turned round to see the devil leaning against the door. *****************************
Chapter 17
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1282429&TPN=25
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Chapter 18
https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1282429&TPN=28�
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Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Edited by pennu - 15 years ago
Kumkum Bhagya
Tu Dhadkan Main Dil
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